By Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti
A strong wave of grassroots support swept across Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State as members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) unanimously endorsed Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Hon. Biodun Omoleye for a second term, signalling a consolidation of political backing ahead of party primaries.
The endorsement, which cut across multiple wards in the council, underscored what party leaders described as a collective decision to sustain ongoing development initiatives and preserve legislative experience at the National Assembly.
Party faithful who thronged the ward meetings cited visible constituency projects, empowerment programmes and inclusive representation as key factors behind their decision, stressing that continuity remains critical to deepening the gains already recorded.
The coordinated endorsement exercise held in wards including Iloro/Ijurin A and B, Iloro A, Ipoti A and B, Odo-Owa, Ekameta, Ijero A and D, and Ekamarun, among others, drawing participation from stakeholders across the political structure.
Prominent figures at the events included former Director of Finance at the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Hon. Dapo Kolawole; member representing Ijero Constituency, Hon. Ademola Ojo; former Ijero Local Government Chairman, Hon. Adeola Adeyemo; and APC Chairman in the council, Mr James Awe.
Also in attendance were Vice Chairman of Irewolede LCDA, Hon. Samson Kolawole; former Leader of the Ijero Legislative Arm, Hon. Idowu Osunyomi; community leaders, party stalwarts, councillors and ward executives.
At Iloro/Ijurin Ward A, the motion endorsing Omoleye was moved by Hon. Samson Kolawole, who praised the lawmaker’s constituency-wide impact, noting that his interventions span all 33 wards and more than 25 towns.
He highlighted projects such as solar street lighting, youth and women empowerment schemes, as well as infrastructure development in schools and road networks as evidence of effective representation.
The motion, seconded by Deaconess Funmilayo Abe, received overwhelming approval, with party leaders describing it as a reflection of the people’s confidence in Omoleye’s leadership.
Speaking at Iloro Ward A, Hon. Dapo Kolawole described Ijero as a politically strategic local government, stressing the need to retain experienced lawmakers who can sustain federal presence and attract development.
He urged party members to translate the endorsements into votes during the APC primaries, noting that returning both Bamidele and Omoleye would ensure continuity and consolidation of achievements.
Responding, Hon. Omoleye expressed appreciation for the widespread support, pledging to build on existing projects and intensify efforts aimed at improving livelihoods across the constituency.
The endorsement wave is widely seen as a significant boost to the lawmakers’ re-election prospects, reflecting growing alignment within the party structure at the grassroots level.